Conventions
This section is dedicated to the important Key Club conventions! You can read about DCON and ICON in their respective catagories.District Convention Summary
District Convention. This once in a year event is the paramount of out success. It's the gathering of the greatest leading force in the Pacific Northwest. Needless to say, it was a grand event. On April 13th, the Key Clubbers of the PNW district packed their bags and headed out for DCON.
Portland, the beautiful Rose City, had the honor of hosting the thousands of leaders of our generation this year. Over the weekend, we learned what it truly means to be a Key Clubber. Friendships grew, a passion for service expanded, and enthusiasm in Key Club went through the roof. We even had the ever popular Judson Laipply perform his famous Evolution of Dance.
During the gathering, we also elected our new District Board! Congratulations Tina Mounlavongsy (governor), Stephanie Nicholson (secretary), David Zhang (treasurer) and Melissa Moran-Hodge (editor)! These talented four will be our leaders for the next year. Along with elections, we also had awards. There was everything from scrap booking to talent shows to service awards. Don't miss out on your shot for an award next year!
DCON is truly unique in the ways it can change you. It inspires and educates everyone who participates in some way. It's the embodiment of what it means to be a Key Clubber. Next year, convention will be held in Seattle. Plan early, get those awards in, and go have a blast!
And that's why we're hot.
- Mike Huo
International Convention Summary
Early morning on July 10th, Key Clubbers gathered at Sea-Tac airport in anticipation for a week-long trip in Orlando, FL the home of the 64th International Convention. For some who had never been to ICON, they knew they were in for a treat: it's not every day that you can go to one of the two happiest places on Earth. For some who went to ICON last year like me, we knew that it was going to be a trip to remember.
Convention activities were designed to inspire. "Survivor: Africa" winner Ethan Zohn shared about Grassroot Soccer, his organization for AIDS awareness and prevention. President's daughter Jenna Bush shared UNICEF experiences in Panama, Buenos Aires, and the Caribbean. Funny guy Judson Laipply didn't cease to make us laugh.
And in the end, our district had proven that it was indeed the "Mighty PNW". Former Lieutenant Governors Katie Lewandowsky and Nakita Sekhon became International Trustees and IP Governor Kaetlynn Daoust and district alum Melissa Im were awarded for being top forum presenters. Not to mention our past International Trustee Grant Lin won the International Presidential election by a landslide.
The trip wasn't all business though. We spent long hours in the four Disney Parks: Magic Kingdom with the gently soaking Splash Mountain; Animal Kingdom with the thrilling Everest coaster; Epcot with the intense Mission: Space; and MGM Studios with the Tower of Terror, equipped to scare with a thirteen story fall and creepy bellmen.
Flying back on the 17th, we lingered in the baggage claim saying difficult goodbyes. For me, this year's ICON showed that Key Clubbers know how to throw a convention. I can say without hesitation that ICON would be memorable for any Key Clubber who wishes to participate. Whoever said you couldn't have fun and learn at the same time?
- Alicia Kim